General Motors’ presence in China just got more electrifying as the carmaker – through its SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture – recently officially unveiled the Baojun E100. Considered as the brand’s first fully electric vehicle in China, the Baojun E100 comes in a very compact package and is offered in a very compact price.

At first glance, an onlooker may mistake the Baojun E100 as Chinese version of the smart ForTwo or the Scion iQ. But after a closer look, it becomes apparent that the design language is very different while the horse logo mounted on the front end of the E100 quickly tells us that it isn’t a smart or a Scion.

Long and wide enough to accommodate up to two adults in a comfortable manner, the E100 is indeed a compact unit, even with its height of 1,670 mm. Featuring a wheelbase that measures 1,600 mm, the new Baojun E100 has a turning radius of 3.7 meters, allowing the full electric car to maneuver into and from tight spaces without considerable problems.

According GM’s press release, serving the propulsion core of the new Baojun E100 is a single electric motor that is capable of generating up to 29 kW of output and up to 110 Nm of instant torque. As the electric car’s name indicate, the Baojun E100 could travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h, which is already fast enough to be driven on urban expressways and local roads.

The electric motor gets its juice from a lithium-ion battery pack that could be fully recharged in just 7.5 hours. Interestingly, the new E100 features a regenerative braking system, which captures energy otherwise lost during braking and stores them into the lithium-ion battery pack. This lithium-ion battery pack is powerful enough to allow the new Baojun E100 to have an all-electric range of 155 km before needing a recharge, which means that it is ideal for urban daily commutes in China.

Supporting the new E100 is an independent wheel suspension on the front and single-arm suspension on the rear. Despite its compact nature, the new E100 is laden with an array of safety elements like anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, an electronic parking brake as well as electric power steering. It is also provided with ISOFIX locks for child safety seats, parking sensors and a pedestrian alert system.

Inside, occupants are treated to a seven-inch screen and on-board Wi-Fi, allowing them to enjoy in-cabin infotainment as well as stay connected. Its premium Zhixiang variant offers an air filter, keyless entry and a touchpad.

SAIC-GM-Wuling is selling the Baojun E100 in two variants, with a price of just RMB35,800 (around US$5,300), after national and local subsidies. SAIC-GM-Wuling actually commenced limited pre-sales of the E100 in Liuzhou, Guangxi on July 10, 2017, with around 200 units up for pre-order. An additional 500 vehicles will also be sold in Guangxi.

Press Release

SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun E100, Its First Electric Vehicle

Available in two variants, it is priced as low as RMB 35,800 after national and local subsidies.

On July 10, SAIC-GM-Wuling began limited pre-sales of the E100 in Liuzhou, Guangxi. More than 5,000 people registered for the first 200 vehicles. Another 500 vehicles will be available starting tomorrow, with sales initially limited to Guangxi.

The E100 is powered by a single motor that produces 110 Nm of torque and 29 kW of motoring power. It can travel up to 155 km on a single charge making it an excellent choice for many urban daily commutes in China. The lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged in 7.5 hours. It is capable of capturing energy through a regenerative braking system.

With a wheelbase of 1,600 mm and height of 1,670 mm, the compact E100 seats up to two adults comfortably. Its turning radius of 3.7 meters enables it to get in and out of tight spaces conveniently. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 100 km/h, allowing it to travel on local roads and urban expressways.

The E100 has an independent front-wheel suspension and single-arm rear suspension. Its impressive list of safety features includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, electric power steering, an electronic parking brake, parking sensors, ISOFIX locks for child safety seats and a pedestrian alert system.

Its 7-inch screen and Wi-Fi enable E100 users to enjoy infotainment and remain connected while on the road. The electric vehicle is also available with a touchpad, air filter and keyless entry on the premium Zhixiang variant.